vibal rhythms in the NHL

http://hockeyadventure.com/2007/11/02/fighting-the-nhls-answer-to-twinkies/

well written and good points.

He doesn't give enough time to the effect hockey has on the ice. Does the threat of getting a beat down pose any deterent to borderline actions?

If it does, even at all...then maybe fighting does have a place.

Borderline actions cannot be REFERREEd or suspended out of the game. Unless you draw the line for an offense far enough from the feared offense that a player can't come close to the feared offense. And in my opinion THAT would destroy the game.

Example...you don't want headshots. Ok bigger suspensions for head shots. As the litigation moves forward eventually ALL headshots are lessened...and in that time, players learn that they can lead with their heads. Play with their heads down, even. So yay! no more headshots, but boo everyone skates with their heads down.

However, allow the on-ice goons to handle the cheap headshots. Players respect that they can't take liberties and lead with their heads while opposing players know not to take advantage of player in a cheap way.

quick response...not well written and out of annoyance...the politically correct view always gets more time and more respect. Fighting = violence, violence = BAD, so fighting = BAD! Annoying as hell, fighting arose in the sport for a reason. The NHL has always been the toughest league in the world...and toughness needs protection.

The Flyers of the 70s perverted this system of justice and the 80s evolved to adjust for that sort of sillyness...but underneath the just fighting still did what it should. The 90s saw the overadjustment against fighting and the game has been going down hill since...